The Gift of Friendship: Stories That Celebrate The Beauty Of Shared Moments

by Dawn Camp (Editor)

Whether next door or in the next time zone, our friends provide some of our most important relationships. We cherish time spent with them, endure time spent apart, and look forward to the next time we can have coffee or rush to greet them as they walk toward our door. And nothing warms our hearts like reading stories of true friendship.

Collecting over fifty true stories from some of today's best writers, Dawn Camp offers readers a chance to sit back and experience the gift of friendship. With its beautiful photographs and poignant prose, this collection is a great gift for a dear friend and the perfect pick-me-up any time you need a boost. Contributors include Crystal Paine, Liz Curtis Higgs, Tsh Oxenreider, Myquillyn Smith, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Lisa-Jo Baker, Jessica Turner, Lysa TerKeurst, Bonnie Gray, Holley Gerth, Renee Swope, and many more.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Friendship, Christian Non Fiction, Relationships

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 16, 2016

About the author

Now graduated from her role as a homeschooling mom of eight, Dawn Camp devotes her time and love of stories to writing her first novel. She contributes to DaySpring’s (in)courage website and writes about family, faith, Photoshop, and life in an ever-emptying nest on Substack.

Dawn authored It All Began in a Garden and five other nonfiction titles, and was featured on Adobe’s website for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom software. She enjoys movie date nights, steaming cups of Earl Grey, and cheering on the Braves. She lives with her family in metro Atlanta.

Reviews

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't possibly get through life without my girlfriends. I have friends that I've known since childhood, friends from college that I've reconnected with because our kids are in the same school, best friends and casual friends, and friends for all seasons of my life. Each one fills a need in my heart and knows just what to say or do at just the right time. When we moved to this small community over twelve years ago, I was nervous about leaving my friends behind, knowing that with some of them, I would lose that daily connection, but hoping that new friends would fill that gap. There is always that trepidation about introducing yourself and trying to find that connection with a new person. Thankfully, I have been blessed to be surrounded by an amazing group of women in my community that I consider to be some of my closest friends.

Friendship is born at that moment when one says to another: "What! You too?"
C.S. Lewis

This collection of stories from well-known Christian authors, celebrates everything that friendship is about. It celebrates those moments when a friend knows just what to say when you're hurting, it acknowledges those moments when you are feeling vulnerable, and reminds you not to compare yourself to other moms in this "pinterest perfect" society. There are plenty of stories that you can identify with. I expect many of them will encourage you to reconnect with a friend when a story reminds you of a certain friendship or memory.

I had one particular story that resonated quite strongly with me and that was the one by Melissa Michaels. Her story of "Lessons in Hospitality from my Hairstylist" brought me to tears. Many of us wouldn't think of our hairstylist as our friend, but I sure did. Mary was my hairstylist for many years and I looked forward to seeing her every six weeks, catching up on our lives, sharing both the good and the bad. She was a friend to me while I was an exhausted stay-at-home mom. I wasn't always able to have my appointments without the kids tagging along and she never minded. The kids adored her and she always had a drawer full of cookies ready for them. This story hit me emotionally because Mary died of an aneurysm just five years ago. In fact, the day I read this story was the on that five year anniversary. Michaels's story reminded me of how much I miss that friendship but yet so thankful I had it at that time in my life. Mary was the epitome of hospitality and kindness as a hairstylist and a friend and I miss her dearly.

As you can imagine, there are numerous other stories that will remind you of the joy in having meaningful friendships. This book would make a wonderful gift for a friend that you want to thank for being a part of your life. You can read a few stories a night and go to sleep with a smile on your face and a prayer to God for placing these special women in your life.

My friends have made the story of my life.
In a thousand ways they have turned my limitations into beautiful privileges.
Helen Keller

[Dominique *Paperbacks & Frybread* · Rating 5 out of 5]

(This review is also posted on Mama Bear Reads at http://www.mamaandthebears.com)

I grew up as a military brat. I traveled the world with my family up until I was in high school. I went to 16 different schools, and lived numerous places. I made friends with ease and had quite a bit of social confidence.

Then something happened. What, I am not sure, but that confidence is no longer there.

There is honestly nothing I struggle with more than making friends. I feel incredibly awkward in any social setting, I'd rather stay home and watch Netflix than do a play date, and calling someone on the phone is enough to make my head spin and last night's spaghetti come back up from the dead.

At almost 30 years old, I want friends but it seems to be absolutely impossible to make and keep them.

That's why, I jumped to the chance to help launch this amazing book that was edited by Dawn Camp called,
"The Gift of Friendship".

I assumed that it was going to be pretty typical of "friendship" books and be a light and easy read. Although it was easy to read-the content is far from "light".

This book is a compilation of almost 50 stories from various people. Many you may have heard of like:
Lysa Terkeurst, Tsh Oxenreider, Holley Gerth, or Jessica Turner.

These stories cover many topics. It goes from the deep like vulnerability and gets into the lighthearted ones about old friends, and gets deep again with stories about purposeful friendship.

The stories are so beautiful and touching. Many of them are so relatable, I could have wrote them myself. There is so much wisdom and encouragement in this book! The stories aren't long at all, so it's really easy to wiz through-but I would recommend taking your time and savoring each bit.

I would guarantee that each time you flip through this stunning book, you would get something completely different out of it each and EVERY time.



To be honest, it really opened my eyes up about all that I miss out on when I build up walls against others. It also showed me that the author I love and adore struggles with the same things I do. That "success" doesn't take away the NEED to have fellowship. We weren't created to walk this world alone. We are the BODY of Christ for a reason.

"The Gift of Friendship" was a true gift for me, and I know it would be an amazing gift to give to ANYONE (not just mamas!!!).

I give this book 5 Stars!

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review, and that's what you got!*

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camp now returns with 'The Gift of Friendship', once again gathering the best writers from around the Christian blogosphere to write on ''stories that celebrate the beauty of shared moments".

To be forthright, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book. 'Friendship' still has a comfortable, "Chicken Soup for the Soul" vibe to it and blessedly (for this mom of a newborn) all the entries were short. However, I didn't feel that their stories/words struck me as profound. None of them truly jumped out at me in a 'that's how I feel' kind of way.

Nevertheless, each author's words are touching and beautiful. There is potential for both laughter and tears if this book is put in the right hands. It would make a fantastic gift for a birthday or 'just because'.

"It takes security to know that listening to a friend share her victories and blessings doesn't diminish our own choices and abilities. It takes compassion to know that listening to her share her struggles and losses doesn't elevate our status in the imaginary Woman Who Most Has Her Act Together challenge. It takes a true sister to cheer on another sister in ways that make both women come alive."
--"The One Thing Every Good Friend Does" - Kristen Strong
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via the author's launch team in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed to read this book as part of the launch team. I loved this book and it came at the most perfect time. A time when I am struggling to form new friendships as a 30 year old. Oftentimes, when people have to form new friendships later in life, it is because they have moved to a new town. In my case, it is the opposite; I have stayed in my town and all my friends have moved away. It is hard making friends as an adult.

I can honestly say every single story in this book touched me in some way. It made me dearly miss my life long friends and long for new friends. It made me realize how much I love and appreciate and value the friends I do have. It made me realize I need to vocalize those feelings to the friends I have, so they never question their place in my life. No matter what stage of friendship you are in, this book is for you. Dawn Camp has done a wonderful job putting these stories together. I laughed, I cried and I longed to hug my girlfriends.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also posted on Book by Book.

Like The Beauty of Grace, The Gift of Friendship: Stories That Celebrate the Beauty of Shared Moments holds a collection of stories from a variety of writers. This beautiful little book focuses on the topic of friendship and community - the importance of it, how to build it and maintain it, and more - and has something to offer each and every one of its readers. I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt encouraged and inspired by the end of it. It’s an entirely worthwhile read, and I heartily recommend it.

Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a copy of The Gift of Friendship and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just what I needed right now in my season of new beginnings. The Gift of Friendship is a reminder and encouragement of the importance of surrounding and maintaining good friendships. I read this book in ebook format but feel it is most appropriately kept in a physical copy. Filled with short stories or excerpts from Christian women, this book will be your push to connect when you become complacent.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Gift of Friendship” is of full stories by different writers that prompted me to reminisce on moments I’ve shared with my own friends. Community is worth celebrating and that’s what this book does beautifully. There are stories of heartache redeemed, surprise friendships, and everyday community that reinforced my belief we really are better together.

[Sally Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could read this over and over again, each time gleaning something from a vignette that makes me want to be a better friend. I loved this book so much! Women are amazing, just by being themselves and loving others, and this book shows that in spades.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this darling little book. It was like sitting down with a cup of hot tea and reminiscing with your oldest friends. Relationships are always full of hill and valleys, and this collection of women and their stories show the tapestry of relationships in an engaging and familiar way. I have hit a strange point in my life where it feels like making new friends is more work than its worth, and this book has really challenged me to look for people I can touch even if we only meet for "a reason in a season." Dawn Camp has created a winning collaboration. I plan to share it with some of my friends (maybe even a new one)!

[Ginny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection of blog posts about all kinds of friendships. Most of the short reads make you smile and think about your own friends, how you met, how long you have been friends, and what keeps you friends. At the end of each read is a quote about friendship. Here’s one of my favorites: You can trust us to stick to you through thick or thin- to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secrets of yours- closer than you yourself keep it. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. Because we are your friends. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very lovely, all about friendship but it focused too much on religion.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like Chicken Soup for the Soul. Stories celebrating friendships and all the ways we can be there for each other a women.

[JENNIFER COOK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely! Great to read slowly chapter by chapter as a devotional or all the way if able. Recommended by me! Christian writers unite!

[Jen Bradbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite comedy is Friends, I think because for years, I longed for the kind of close-knit friendships depicted in the show. Thanks to an amazing small group experience a decade ago, I found those kinds of friends – friends that have been with me through thick and thin, through job changes and moves, and through miscarriages and birth. They've challenged my faith, carried it when it's been nearly gone, and held hope for me when I thought it, too, had all but disappeared.
It's these friends I thought about most as I read The Gift of Friendship: Stories that Celebrate the Beauty of Shared Moments, a book of essays edited by Dawn Camp. For the most part, the essays in this book are short, making it easy to read a handful at a time during a few moments in the margins of your day. It's an easily relatable book. In fact, the beauty The Gift of Friendship is the way you'll see yourself – and your friendships - in nearly all of it's essays.
I know I did.
When Becky Keife said, “There is no score-keeping when doing life together” in her essay, When Friendship is More than Favors, I thought about the time just last week when a friend of mine brought lunch to me. I completely forgot to pay her back and texted her afterward saying so. She replied saying, “I didn't even think about that!” Indeed, as Becky says, “There is community-building by bearing each other's burdens, and sometimes that means being willing to let yourself be the one carried.”
As someone who has, for years, struggled with playing (and losing) the comparison game, I found myself nodding my head in agreement with Kristen Strong's insight in The One Thing Every Good Friend Does that “It takes security to know that listening to a friend share her victories and blessings doesn't diminish our own choices and abilities.”
As someone whose house is consistently a little more dirty and cluttered than I'd like it to be, I was affirmed in my desire to nevertheless have people in my home when Lisa-Jo Baker reminded me in How to Feel at Home in Your House and Your Skin that “No matter how much you clean or remodel or move or rebuild, hospitality will always be more a matter of the heart than the architecture. Your guests will only feel as comfortable in your house as you feel in your own skin.”
When Myquillyn Smith said in The Power of the Imperfect, “The imperfections in our homes have the ability to help put people at ease. There's something about walking in a house and being greeted by a kind person who lives beautifully within her imperfect home, without apology, that makes me want to be friends with her and tell her all my secrets” I flashed back to my home growing up and how comfortable it – in all its imperfections – made my friends and I feel.
My favorite essay in The Gift of Friendship was Anna Rendell's On the Kind of Friend I Want My Daughter to Have. As a new mom, I suspect Anna is right: “If I want my daughter to know how to be a good friend, I need to be the one to show her.”
Books like The Gift of Friendship will help show us how, inspiring and reminding us what it means to be a good friend.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Dawn’s words in the introduction of her new book, The Gift of Friendship: Don’t let anyone tell you that a friendship that begins online lacks a foundation. Treasure friendship in whatever form it comes. I wanted to weep.

Instead, my mind kept repeating: Someone understands! while I smiled to myself. It’s difficult to explain to people how close you can become to others through having a blog. Though it doesn’t happen immediately, I think it may have something to do with sharing our hearts through writing, there is an ease in slowly opening to another soul a distance away. A kind of community you don’t expect.

I’ve experienced this with the older woman I’ve met through social media and real life friends my age who don’t live close. As in right down the street.

This book is a collection of stories about the desire we all for deep relationships and the beauty, often struggle to cultivate them. Because I can’t dive into every story that touched me, I’m going to pick out a few that made me think.

Dawn Camp’s story, What You Can Do When Life Storms Hit, how God reaches out when you don’t want to impose. When my grandma passed in 2014, I ached in a way I still don’t understand. A few women through my blog have continued to pray for me, ask me how I am, let me come with all my crazy, and remind me God loves me.

He hears me. Keep bringing Him my heart. It’s a quick text or email of encouragement that has held me together, making me grateful I started a blog and for the way God has weaved friendships I never saw coming.

In another story by Ananda Williams, she shares her own struggle with grief.

Sometimes, in the worst times, you need someone to be you, so you can just be.

In the midst of grief, I’ve watched how God has used two friends in real life, traveling miles to show me joy that comes into the dark. They’ve let me be quiet, staring off into space. Mad. Weepy.

Through books, music, prayer, food, time and laughter, they’ve shown up without giving me chance to deny. They’ve loved me anyway and I’m thankful for the way we give to each other despite the distance.

If you are a mom or a woman who struggles in the friendship area, this book will be a sigh of relief.

If you’re a guy, this book will open your eyes to female friendships, but will help you appreciate your own friendships as well.

You will cherish longtime friends and the new ones beginning.

[Ioana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gift of Friendship was a truly inspiring book for me. I don't always think that about a collection of short anecdotes and personal sharing about a topic, but this was different.

Dawn Camp, the editor of this book, is an (in)courage contributor, and along with other (in)courage contributors and some other well known online figures, she aims to reveal stories about how much one really needs a friend.

The book deals with different topics all having to do with an aspect of friendship. Whether it's about learning the art of hospitality, pursuing friendship intentionally, being vulnerable, going out there and making new friends, or recognizing our very first friends who also happen to be our family, there is something in the book for everyone, no matter the life stage the reader is in. Sure, I didn't relate to every story, but there was something in each section that spoke to me, and made me more mindful of the role I have as a friend, and the responsibility I carry.

Each chapter ends with a quote, or a Bible verse that sums up the chapter. As a lover of quotes, I thought those were such a nice touch at the end of every chapter.

The writers seemed honest and open in their sharing. The entries are not necessarily new, nor recent, some might have been first written for a blog, or another social platform, but they were written thoughtfully. I really liked the short chapter format. It was easy to read, the chapters were concise, and very much to the point, without unnecessary beating around the bush.

As a side note, this book made me a bit more interested in the (in)courage community, and the writers that contribute to the blog daily. I used to follow the blog closely, but over the time I stopped following along. This book made me miss it, and maybe I will make it a habit to read and let myself be encouraged again.

I have been thinking about this whole friends thing lately, and this book came at the right moment. It encouraged me to invest in friends, to be a better friend, to pray for my friends, to listen, to care deeply and genuinely, to help them grow into who they are supposed to be. It's not always easy being a friend, but at the end of the day, it's always worth it. All the pictures and all the memories you collect over years prove just that.

I am grateful I had the possibility to read this. It was a perfect timing kind of book.

I received a free e-book copy of this book via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

[Krista D · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first picked up the book "The Gift of Friendship: Stories That Celebrate the Beauty of Shared Moments" (edited by Dawn Camp), I was impressed by the list of contributors (Lisa-Jo Baker, Holley Gerth, Liz Curtis Higgs, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Renee Swope, Lysa Terkeurst and the list goes on) but wondered if it would have more fluff than heart and meat. Yet when I started reading it, I could not put it down.

This book celebrates the beauty of friendships of many types, encourages you to remember the blessing of those friends God has placed in your life (even if only for a season) and gives you courage to reach out to others if in need of a friend or to be that friend someone else needs. Even though each story is from a different woman reflecting on her own friendships and experiences, there is so much in the book that you can relate to and draw parallels to your own life. It helped me to reflect on the friendships that I treasure, those that maybe I need reconnect with, and consider the importance of the small (and large) investments that keep a friendship healthy. Sometimes just a text to encourage or an invitation to coffee is all it takes to bless a friend that has blessed you. The book also celebrates those friendships that are just for a season, recognizing the importance of those God has placed in our path for a season and the impact those connections can make as well, something I don't often reflect on.

I appreciated that each entry in the book is heartfelt yet short, making it a great book to read just a story at a time while sitting in a waiting room or waiting for kids to get done with an activity or for when I had just 5-10 minutes of time that I wanted to fill with positive encouragement instead of scrolling through social media. (Though I ended up reading this book much quicker than that as I was hooked by the stories and needed to finish it to get this post completed).

This book would be a great way to bless a friend (or two or three) in your life as a way to let them know their friendship blesses you. I'm already trying to decide who to pass my copy to :)


* I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for a review. All opinions and words are my own.

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Gift of Friendship is a collection of blog posts from various authors, speakers, and bloggers on the topic of friendship. Centered around topics like “Building Community,” “It Takes a Friend to Be a Friend,” “Friendship on Purpose,” and “Vulnerability,” each essay Camp gathered follows the typical Blog formula: easy to read, a few lines of self-deprecating humor, and a quick message. None of it gets too deeply, but much of it makes you smile. And none of them will take you more than five minutes to read.

Reading this compilation made me arrive at three realizations: 1) I have a handful of really great, really deep, and really true friendships; 2) This may not be as common as I originally thought; 3) I don’t really like this Blog format of a book. I found myself and my circle of friends in a few of the pages. I was reminded to tell two of my closest friends how deeply connected to them I am and how grateful I am that they know me so well and still choose for some crazy reason to keep coming back to me. And how amazing it was to spend the weekend in their company . . . all alone, no kids, no husbands, just these beautiful women and a few others from our circle. Those are gifts you find in some corners of your world, and Camp calls you to remember them and cherish them.

I didn’t love this book. It was fine. Good, even, in some parts. But I feel richer for the friendships, not for the words I read in the book. Except for the nuggets Camp included in between some of the essays. She quoted Scripture (which is always good, even in this case where it sometimes seemed a stretch to fit the topic), and she quoted other books on friendship. The C. S. Lewis quotes she included from The Four Loves are the real gems in this book. And while I probably won’t pick up The Gift of Friendship to read again, I will definitely be borrowing The Four Loves. From a friend.


Disclaimer: I received this book from Revell through the Revell Reads Blog Tour program in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn Camp in her new book, “The Gift Of Friendship” published by Revell gives us Stories That Celebrate the Beauty of Shared Moments.

From the Back Cover: Whether next door or in the next time zone, our friends are some of our most vital relationships. We cherish time spent together and look forward to the next time we can solve the world’s problems over coffee. There is something about a true friend that no other relationship can touch.

Collecting over fifty true stories from some of today’s best writers, Dawn Camp offers you a chance to sit back and experience the gift of friendship. With its beautiful photographs and poignant prose, this collection is the perfect pick-me-up anytime you need a boost.

I think that ever since we read of David’s intense friendship with Jonathan each of us has longed for something like that as well. The good news is that God designed us that way. We have our friends: we know what they like, what they don’t like, when they hurt we hurt, and when they rejoice we rejoice with them. Dawn Camp went out and acquired fifty stories from all these authors. In some of these stories we laugh, in some we cry, in all of them we identify with the friendship. These stories are true and should touch us at our very core. Not only that if we haven’t had a session with our friend in a while I guarantee that you will be reaching for the phone, going over in person, or using some social media outlet but you will want to get in touch with your friend. This book is a keeper and will make a great gift for friends and family so that they can be reminded of their friends as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Kim Wells]

This lovely book is like a conference in book form. The chapters are short but poignant, and each are written by sweet women who bear their hearts and souls with their words. I laughed, I cried, I highlighted – what more could I possibly ask for. This isn’t my regular non-fiction, self-help book. It’s remarkably different both in style and in content. This is a book that makes you feel in the deepest places within yourself. As I read through the stories contained in this book (which are as varied as the women who wrote them), I found myself thinking of my own stories of friendship and looking forward to many more stories of my own in the future.

If there’s one major thing I took from the book, it’s the desire to be more intentional about creating and nurturing relationships. This compilation of friendship stories made me appreciate the few friendships I have, and long for other life-giving relationships with the women around me.

There are nine categories represented in this book and each has 5-7 stories that put their respective category into real-life situations. Building Community, Hospitality, Vulnerability and Friendship on Purpose are some of the topics covered in this compilation-style book. Stories of joy, heartache, fear, forgiveness, hurt and so much more are represented in these pages. Multiple ages and stages are also represented.

I was surprised at how many practical, bullet-point style tips are present within this publication. I highlighted more than I thought I would, for sure. I related to some of the writers more than others, but all of the stories were well-written, thoughtful and enjoyable to read. This would be a good nightstand book to read a few chapters each morning or each evening as you are getting ready for sleep. It would also make an especially great gift for a friend!

[Joanne Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her book, The Gift of Friendship: Stories That Celebrate the Beauty of Shared Moments, Dawn Camp brings a collection of stories that celebrate the beauty of friendship. Every story in itself is an invitation to have your heart warmed as each one will remind you of the gift represented by each of the friends in your own life.

Friendships come in all shapes and sizes. Some last a life time. Some for a short span of time. But each one is meant for a purpose in our lives.

We cherish the time spent with a true friend. Conversation can be trivial or deep, but we hang on every word.

The book has contributions from about fifty of our favorite authors and bloggers. Each reading is sure to delight as it brings encouragement. There are Scriptures and quotes on friendship which make this book truly a book to treasure. My copy is underlined and written it in the margins with notes, as the stories resonated deeply.

The stories are broken down into nine chapter headings:

Building Community
It Takes a Friend to Be a Friend
Pursuing Friendship
Hospitality
Friendship on Purpose
What I Learned about Friendship from My Family
Vulnerability
Making a Difference
Old Friends

You can read this book from cover to cover – highly recommended and the way I did – in two afternoons. Or you can read it topically. But no matter how you read it, you will find yourself pulled in and not wanting to put the book down. Each story will give you opportunity to sit with this group and experience the many facets of friendships.

“Friendship is acting out God’s love for people in tangible ways.”
(Shauna Niequist, page 76)



** *** I received a copy of this book from Revell for review purposes, which has been a delight to offer. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Just Commonly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We need our people. We need friends standing in our corner, cheering us on, believing in us. We need listening ears, shares of inside jokes, keepers of secrets. We need those who laugh when we laugh, cry when we cry, and then pass the chips and salsa...that's the gift of friendship." - Dawn Camp (19)

Well said, Dawn. Just like in her first book, The Beauty of Grace, The Gift of Friendship is a collection of personal stories from writers, with the power to bring grace to our lives. Every single story in this book is one of beauty, of personal shared moments with a friend or community that lends to God's plan for us as relational beings. I can honestly say each story touched me on some level and brings forth past memories, or a sudden desire to call a friend or send a note to one. These are heartfelt stories of friendships that may be simple, short or of the past, but each story shares of a sense of communal belonging, of being loved and wanted and remembered. A beautiful book, with stories that will captivate you, disarm you and make you feel. And that's why, this is a winner. Get one for yourself, and share one or more with others. As you read this, many will pop in your mind, and those are the very people that will appreciate this gift, and your gift - your gift of friendship.

http://justcommonly.blogspot.com/2016...

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Revell for an honest review.

[Katrina Epperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only a few pages into this book and I already knew my

opinion of it.

Wonderful!!!

I was barely a few pages and and automatically I was

thinking of my friendships, both past and present. I recently

connected with a close friend from my childhood days on

Facebook and was flooded with a wealth of memories that were so

sweet that they made me homesick. We have both moved from our hometown,

but I was heartsick to go back to the time and place

when we wadded in the creek, ran down gravel roads, played dolls,

read Tiger Beat, but mostly dreamed.

Dawn Camp brings us a book that talks about friendship. This is a collection

of 50 true stories from a variety of authors that will touch your very heart.

The book is arranged so that you can read it either in one setting or just

story by story. Each one will spark a memory for the reader of

a present or past friendship. Wonderful stories.

I would recommend this book to anyone.

*I received this book from the publisher for a honest review without bias or outside

influence. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a cup of coffee and have lunch with some of the best friends of your life. Whether you're listening to stories from Holley Gerth, Liz Curtis Higgs, Lysa Terkeurst, Renee Swope, Dawn Camp, Jessica Turner, Lisa Jo Baker or many more, be ready for the collection of the perfect pick me-up. These stories are healing, holy and worth your time no matter the season of life you find yourself in. I found this book to be incredibly uplifting, entertaining and encouraging. I felt like I was at Starbucks with a bunch of friends having coffee discussing life. This book is just a beautiful book and one that you don't want to miss. Pick up a copy not because I'm telling you to, but because you will miss out on something beautiful here. I am reading this book as a devotional because I love to read the stories each day. To find out where you can purchase it, head here. I am giving this book a five star review for its content, depth, uniqueness and ability to capture a large variety of audiences of readers. Thank you to the publishers for giving me a copy for review purposes only. I was not compensated for a positive review.

[Stephanie Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

These women share their favorite memories of times with their closest friends. Heartwarming and beautiful reminders that friends are important in every stage and season of life. Whether our houses are a mess, or our lives are turned upside down. The best friends will be there to help you fold the laundry and put the pieces back together.

They share how sometimes a chance meeting with a stranger turns into a beautiful friendship. Or how a one time meeting taught them how to be a great friend again. About a time when someone took the time to write them a note, drop off a meal, or volunteer to babysit- a reminder that the best gifts in life cost nothing.

The best friends are the ones who are there, living life beside us. In the trenches with us. Holding our hands and speaking life to us.

So, grab a a cup of coffee, curl up on the couch, and take a few minutes to read a chapter. They’re short and sweet, only 2-4 pages. You can sneak little snippets in, in just a few moments a day. Your heart will be warmed, and your soul will be filled. And you’ll have the urge to call your best friend on the phone and thank them for being there.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Gift of Friendship" is an inspirational book written by Dawn Camp, a forward by Jennifer Dukes Lee (popular blogger), with friendship tips from other inspiring women. The book is about different aspects of being a friend. Being an old friend, a new friend and how to build those relationships. I believe the theme of this book could be summed up in these words by Jennifer Dukes Lee, "We are better together."
I like how the cover speaks of friendship; just sitting and relaxing. Just being yourself. There are several pictures throughout the book that also speak of love and friendship. Within each chapter is a segment written by a different friend so the reader can get different perspectives. I love how Dawn Camp intricately wove each author's thoughts into the book. I especially like Crystal Paine's four components that make a strong relationship; honesty, commitment, effort, and forgiveness.
There are several quotes from Shauna Niequist's book `Cold Tangerines` which piqued my interest in reading it. I would recommend The Gift of Friendship to all women, younger and older.

Disclaimer: I was compensated with this book for my honest review.

[Melissa Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of The Gift of Friendship: Stories that Celebrate the Beauty of Shared Moments edited by Dawn Camp, from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I found that many of these stories were geared towards busy mothers in need of a caring friend. Although I don’t fall into that specific set I was able to relate to many of the things mentioned throughout The Gift of Friendship. In fact I had quite a profound reading experience as I made my way through the pages. Although it is fairly short and quick to read, I really took time to reflect on each lesson. It also made me reminisce about friendships past and present.

Along with its inviting cover showing two chairs by a lake, the book as a whole was put together beautifully. Editor and author Dawn Camp is also a photographer and included some of her own pictures to accompany the stories.

The Gift of Friendship really would make for a nice gift. I would recommend it to those who enjoy reading heartwarming relatable stories.

[Oak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gift of Friendship: Stories That Celebrate the Beauty of Shared Moments is a compilation of essays about friendship among women. The book is edited by Dawn Camp, and features stories from writers including Camp, Becky Keife, Sarah Forgrave, and many more. The book reminded me of something you might see in the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. The essays were heartfelt, and they were written in genuine, down-to-earth ways. One of my favorite essays was “In which I tell the truth about women and community” by Alia Joy Hagenbach, who points out that even though women differ in the interests they pursue and the roles they take on, each role or pursuit has great value. I also loved seeing an essay by Holley Gerth (author of You’re Loved No Matter What), who I find so encouraging and inspirational. The book as a whole is very uplifting, showing how women can – and do – support each other.

*I received this book for review*

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book full of encouraging little stories that really blessed me and made me smile.

The stories are easy to relate to and it was comforting to see that some of the things I've been through, others have, too. I loved the comfort each story brought with Scriptures and other quotes. There are also beautiful black and white photos throughout that just make the book that much more enjoyable. So many of the authors are my favorites and their writing is excellent and Biblical.

This book emphasizes how important friendship is. Having friends that help us and knowing when others we know need help. Supporting our friends and loving them in all situations.

I really enjoyed this book. It would make an excellent gift for a friend. It's so full of encouragement and comfort - it really is a must read. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Revell Reads

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendships are the glue that hold us together when our world seems crazy. Friendships can nurture, bolster, and encourage us. God gave us the beautiful gift of friendships so we could feel His love more fully. Read stories of beautiful friendships between women who feel like they are your friend too.

I really enjoyed this book. The stories were heartfelt and meaningful. Each person brought out different positives and blessings of friendship. The book was easy to read since each story was separate and only connected by the theme. This allowed me to read it in brief moments of free time. The book was a reminder to be thankful for the friends in not only my life, but also that of my family. This would be a great book to give as a gift to that special friend in your life.

I received this book free of charge from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review.